Orono, Maine – The Ottawa REDBLACKS selected University of Maine linebacker Deshawn Stevens in the first round of the 2021 Canadian Football League Draft on Tuesday, May 4, with the sixth overall pick.

Stevens, a native of Toronto, Ontario, would join fellow Black Bears Christophe Mulumba-Tshimanga and Sherrod Baltimore with the REDBLACKS should he chose to sign with the team.

Earlier in the evening, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers selected former Black Bear offensive lineman Liam Dobson No. 3 overall in the draft.

"We are extremely proud of the selections of Deshawn and Liam in the top six of this year's CFL Draft," says head coach Nick Charlton. "With picks at No. 3 and No. 6, it is a testament to their hard work and commitment to the game of football, which we were able to witness on a daily basis. This year has been unprecedented and challenging, but it's great to have two former Black Bears with the opportunity to continue playing professionally in one of the greatest football leagues in the world. I cannot wait to watch Deshawn and Liam play at the next level. Recruited and developed here in Orono, these two student-athletes show what can be accomplished at the University of Maine. I wish nothing but the best of luck to Deshawn and Liam as they pursue their goals professionally."

Stevens, a two-time All-CAA selection, appeared in 29 games during his career with the Black Bears while registering 211 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, and one interception. Stevens averaged 7.3 tackles per game during his five-years in Orono.

A two-time preseason All-American honoree, Stevens produced his best season in 2018 where he started all 14 games during Maine's CAA Championship and NCAA Final Four run. During the 2018 campaign, Stevens racked up 120 tackles to go along with 17.0 tackles for loss, 9.0 sacks, two fumble recoveries, a forced fumble, two pass breakups and an interception. Stevens ranked third in the CAA in total tackles in and tackles per game (8.6)  in 2018. His sack totals placed him fifth-best among league leaders while he ranked as the runner-up in the CAA in tackles for loss, average 1.21 per game. For his efforts, Stevens was named an All-CAA Second Team selection, a FCS HERO Sports Sophomore All-American First Team, and was awarded the team's Walter Abbott Most Outstanding Defensive Player.

During the shortened 2021 spring season, Stevens led the Black Bears with 36 tackles in four games and ranked second among CAA leaders at 9.0 tackles per game.

Stevens joins four other former Black Bears, Mulumba-Tshimanga, Baltimore, Dobson, and Earnest Edwards (Edmonton) as CFL roster members.

-UMaine-